1
|
Xu L, Zhao H, Yang Y, Xiong Y, Zhong W, Jiang G, Yu X. The application of stem cell sheets for neuronal regeneration after spinal cord injury: a systematic review of pre-clinical studies. Syst Rev 2023; 12:225. [PMID: 38037129 PMCID: PMC10688065 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02390-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stem cell sheet implantation offers a promising avenue for spinal cord injury (SCI) and is currently under investigation in pre-clinical in vivo studies. Nevertheless, a systematic review of the relevant literature is yet to be performed. Thus, this systematic review aims to explore the efficacy of stem cell sheet technology in treating SCI, as indicated by experimental animal model studies. METHODS We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Manuscripts that did not pertain to in vivo pre-clinical studies and those published in non-English languages were excluded. A risk assessment for bias was performed using the SYRCLE tool. Extracted data were synthesized only qualitatively because the data were not suitable for conducting the meta-analysis. RESULTS Among the 847 studies retrieved from electronic database searches, seven met the inclusion criteria. Six of these studies employed a complete transection model, while one utilized a compression model. Stem cell sources included bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth, and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. In all included studies, stem cell sheet application significantly improved motor and sensory functional scores compared to intreated SCI rats. This functional recovery correlated with histological improvements at the injury site. All studies are at low risk of bias but certain domains were not reported by some or all of the studies. CONCLUSION The results of our systematic review suggest that stem cell sheets may be a feasible therapeutic approach for the treatment of SCI. Future research should be conducted on stem cell sheets in various animal models and types of SCI, and careful validation is necessary before translating stem cell sheets into clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luchun Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
| | - He Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yongdong Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Xiong
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqing Zhong
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
| | - Guozheng Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lee PH, Hsu HJ, Tien CH, Huang CC, Huang CY, Chen HF, Yeh ML, Lee JS. Characterizing the Impact of Compression Duration and Deformation-Related Loss of Closure Force on Clip-Induced Spinal Cord Injury in Rats. Neurol Int 2023; 15:1383-1392. [PMID: 37987461 PMCID: PMC10661265 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint15040088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The clip-induced spinal cord injury (SCI) rat model is pivotal in preclinical SCI research. However, the literature exhibits variability in compression duration and limited attention to clip deformation-related loss of closure force. We aimed to investigate the impact of compression duration on SCI severity and the influence of clip deformation on closure force. Rats received T10-level clip-induced SCI with durations of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 30 s, and a separate group underwent T10 transection. Outcomes included functional, histological, electrophysiological assessments, and inflammatory cytokine analysis. A tactile pressure mapping system quantified clip closure force after open-close cycles. Our results showed a positive correlation between compression duration and the severity of functional, histological, and electrophysiological deficits. Remarkably, even a brief 1-s compression caused significant deficits comparable to moderate-to-severe SCI. SSEP waveforms were abolished with durations over 20 s. Decreased clip closure force appeared after five open-close cycles. This study offers critical insights into regulating SCI severity in rat models, aiding researchers. Understanding compression duration and clip fatigue is essential for experiment design and interpretation using the clip-induced SCI model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Po-Hsuan Lee
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (P.-H.L.); (C.-H.T.); (C.-C.H.); (C.-Y.H.)
| | - Heng-Juei Hsu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tainan Municipal Hospital, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
| | - Chih-Hao Tien
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (P.-H.L.); (C.-H.T.); (C.-C.H.); (C.-Y.H.)
| | - Chi-Chen Huang
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (P.-H.L.); (C.-H.T.); (C.-C.H.); (C.-Y.H.)
| | - Chih-Yuan Huang
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (P.-H.L.); (C.-H.T.); (C.-C.H.); (C.-Y.H.)
| | - Hui-Fang Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Long Yeh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
- Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Shun Lee
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (P.-H.L.); (C.-H.T.); (C.-C.H.); (C.-Y.H.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hu X, Xu W, Ren Y, Wang Z, He X, Huang R, Ma B, Zhao J, Zhu R, Cheng L. Spinal cord injury: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:245. [PMID: 37357239 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01477-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a severe condition with an extremely high disability rate. The challenges of SCI repair include its complex pathological mechanisms and the difficulties of neural regeneration in the central nervous system. In the past few decades, researchers have attempted to completely elucidate the pathological mechanism of SCI and identify effective strategies to promote axon regeneration and neural circuit remodeling, but the results have not been ideal. Recently, new pathological mechanisms of SCI, especially the interactions between immune and neural cell responses, have been revealed by single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptome analysis. With the development of bioactive materials and stem cells, more attention has been focused on forming intermediate neural networks to promote neural regeneration and neural circuit reconstruction than on promoting axonal regeneration in the corticospinal tract. Furthermore, technologies to control physical parameters such as electricity, magnetism and ultrasound have been constantly innovated and applied in neural cell fate regulation. Among these advanced novel strategies and technologies, stem cell therapy, biomaterial transplantation, and electromagnetic stimulation have entered into the stage of clinical trials, and some of them have already been applied in clinical treatment. In this review, we outline the overall epidemiology and pathophysiology of SCI, expound on the latest research progress related to neural regeneration and circuit reconstruction in detail, and propose future directions for SCI repair and clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Hu
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Yilong Ren
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaojie Wang
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolie He
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Runzhi Huang
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Bei Ma
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingwei Zhao
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongrong Zhu
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China.
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China.
| | - Liming Cheng
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China.
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zheng G, Harms AK, Tail M, Zhang H, Nimmo A, Skutella T, Kiening K, Unterberg A, Zweckberger K, Younsi A. Effects of a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist in the acute phase after thoracic spinal cord injury in a rat model. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1128545. [PMID: 37251648 PMCID: PMC10213275 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1128545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Disruption of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) with subsequent edema formation and further neuroinflammation contributes to aggravation of spinal cord injury (SCI). We aimed to observe the effect of antagonizing the binding of the neuropeptide Substance-P (SP) to its neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor in a rodent SCI model. Methods Female Wistar rats were subjected to a T9 laminectomy with or without (Sham) a T9 clip-contusion/compression SCI, followed by the implantation of an osmotic pump for the continuous, seven-day-long infusion of a NK1 receptor antagonist (NRA) or saline (vehicle) into the intrathecal space. The animals were assessed via MRI, and behavioral tests were performed during the experiment. 7 days after SCI, wet & dry weight and immunohistological analyses were conducted. Results Substance-P inhibition via NRA showed limited effects on reducing edema. However, the invasion of T-lymphocytes and the number of apoptotic cells were significantly reduced with the NRA treatment. Moreover, a trend of reduced fibrinogen leakage, endothelial and microglial activation, CS-GAG deposition, and astrogliosis was found. Nevertheless, only insignificant general locomotion recovery could be observed in the BBB open field score and the Gridwalk test. In contrast, the CatWalk gait analysis showed an early onset of recovery in several parameters. Conclusion Intrathecal administration of NRA might reinforce the integrity of the BSCB in the acute phase after SCI, potentially attenuating aspects of neurogenic inflammation, reducing edema formation, and improving functional recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guoli Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna-Kathrin Harms
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mohamed Tail
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alan Nimmo
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Thomas Skutella
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karl Kiening
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Unterberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Zweckberger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Younsi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Georgelou K, Saridaki EA, Karali K, Papagiannaki A, Charalampopoulos I, Gravanis A, Tzeranis DS. Microneurotrophin BNN27 Reduces Astrogliosis and Increases Density of Neurons and Implanted Neural Stem Cell-Derived Cells after Spinal Cord Injury. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041170. [PMID: 37189788 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Microneurotrophins, small-molecule mimetics of endogenous neurotrophins, have demonstrated significant therapeutic effects on various animal models of neurological diseases. Nevertheless, their effects on central nervous system injuries remain unknown. Herein, we evaluate the effects of microneurotrophin BNN27, an NGF analog, in the mouse dorsal column crush spinal cord injury (SCI) model. BNN27 was delivered systemically either by itself or combined with neural stem cell (NSC)-seeded collagen-based scaffold grafts, demonstrated recently to improve locomotion performance in the same SCI model. Data validate the ability of NSC-seeded grafts to enhance locomotion recovery, neuronal cell integration with surrounding tissues, axonal elongation and angiogenesis. Our findings also show that systemic administration of BNN27 significantly reduced astrogliosis and increased neuron density in mice SCI lesion sites at 12 weeks post injury. Furthermore, when BNN27 administration was combined with NSC-seeded PCS grafts, BNN27 increased the density of survived implanted NSC-derived cells, possibly addressing a major challenge of NSC-based SCI treatments. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that small-molecule mimetics of endogenous neurotrophins can contribute to effective combinatorial treatments for SCI, by simultaneously regulating key events of SCI and supporting grafted cell therapies in the lesion site.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Georgelou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Kanelina Karali
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Argyri Papagiannaki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitrios S Tzeranis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu F, Huang Y, Wang H. Rodent Models of Spinal Cord Injury: From Pathology to Application. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:340-361. [PMID: 36303082 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03794-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often has devastating consequences for the patient's physical, mental and occupational health. At present, there is no effective treatment for SCI, and appropriate animal models are very important for studying the pathological manifestations, injury mechanisms, and corresponding treatment. However, the pathological changes in each injury model are different, which creates difficulties in selecting appropriate models for different research purposes. In this article, we analyze various SCI models and introduce their pathological features, including inflammation, glial scar formation, axon regeneration, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and oxidative stress, and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each model, which is convenient for selecting suitable models for different injury mechanisms to study therapeutic methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fuze Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Multiple strategies enhance the efficacy of MSCs transplantation for spinal cord injury. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 157:114011. [PMID: 36410123 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious complication of the central nervous system (CNS) after spine injury, often resulting in severe sensory, motor, and autonomic dysfunction below the level of injury. To date, there is no effective treatment strategy for SCI. Recently, stem cell therapy has brought hope to patients with neurological diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered to be the most promising source of cellular therapy after SCI due to their immunomodulatory, neuroprotective and angiogenic potential. Considering the limited therapeutic effect of MSCs due to the complex pathophysiological environment following SCI, this paper not only reviews the specific mechanism of MSCs to facilitate SCI repair, but also further discusses the research status of these pluripotent stem cells combined with other therapeutic approaches to promote anatomical and functional recovery post-SCI.
Collapse
|
8
|
Park YM, Kim JH, Lee JE. Neural Stem Cells Overexpressing Arginine Decarboxylase Improve Functional Recovery from Spinal Cord Injury in a Mouse Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415784. [PMID: 36555425 PMCID: PMC9779865 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Current therapeutic strategies for spinal cord injury (SCI) cannot fully facilitate neural regeneration or improve function. Arginine decarboxylase (ADC) synthesizes agmatine, an endogenous primary amine with neuroprotective effects. Transfection of human ADC (hADC) gene exerts protective effects after injury in murine brain-derived neural precursor cells (mNPCs). Following from these findings, we investigated the effects of hADC-mNPC transplantation in SCI model mice. Mice with experimentally damaged spinal cords were divided into three groups, separately transplanted with fluorescently labeled (1) control mNPCs, (2) retroviral vector (pLXSN)-infected mNPCs (pLXSN-mNPCs), and (3) hADC-mNPCs. Behavioral comparisons between groups were conducted weekly up to 6 weeks after SCI, and urine volume was measured up to 2 weeks after SCI. A subset of animals was euthanized each week after cell transplantation for molecular and histological analyses. The transplantation groups experienced significantly improved behavioral function, with the best recovery occurring in hADC-mNPC mice. Transplanting hADC-mNPCs improved neurological outcomes, induced oligodendrocyte differentiation and remyelination, increased neural lineage differentiation, and decreased glial scar formation. Moreover, locomotor and bladder function were both rehabilitated. These beneficial effects are likely related to differential BMP-2/4/7 expression in neuronal cells, providing an empirical basis for gene therapy as a curative SCI treatment option.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Mi Park
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- BK 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- CHA Advanced Research Institute, CHA University, CHA Bio-Complex, 335, Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, CHA Bio-Complex, 335, Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hwan Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- BK 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Eun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- BK 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Brain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2228-1646
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sakowski SA, Chen KS. Stem cell therapy for central nervous system disorders: Metabolic interactions between transplanted cells and local microenvironments. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 173:105842. [PMID: 35988874 PMCID: PMC10117179 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell therapy is a promising and rapidly advancing treatment strategy for a multitude of neurologic disorders. Yet, while early phase clinical trials are being pursued in many disorders, the mechanism of action often remains unclear. One important potential mechanism by which stem cells provide neuroprotection is through metabolic signaling with diseased neurons, glia, and other cell types in the nervous system microenvironment. Early studies exploring such interactions report normalization of glucose metabolism, induction of protective mitochondrial genes, and even interactions with supportive neurovasculature. Local metabolic conditions also impact stem cell biology, which can have a large impact on transplant viability and efficacy. Epigenetic changes that occur in the donor prior to collection of stem cells, and even during in vitro culture conditions, may have effects on stem cell biology that are carried into the host upon stem cell transplantation. Transplanted stem cells also face potentially toxic metabolic microenvironments at the targeted transplant site. Novel approaches for metabolically "preconditioning" stem cells prior to transplant harness metabolic machinery to optimize stem cell survival upon transplant. Ultimately, an improved understanding of the metabolic cross-talk between implanted stem cells and the local nervous system environment, in both disease and injury states, will increase the likelihood of success in translating stem cell therapy to early trials in neurological disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stacey A Sakowski
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Kevin S Chen
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang SY, Zhao J, Ni JJ, Li H, Quan ZZ, Qing H. Application and prospects of high-throughput screening for in vitro neurogenesis. World J Stem Cells 2022; 14:393-419. [PMID: 35949394 PMCID: PMC9244953 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v14.i6.393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, high-throughput screening (HTS) has made great contributions to new drug discovery. HTS technology is equipped with higher throughput, minimized platforms, more automated and computerized operating systems, more efficient and sensitive detection devices, and rapid data processing systems. At the same time, in vitro neurogenesis is gradually becoming important in establishing models to investigate the mechanisms of neural disease or developmental processes. However, challenges remain in generating more mature and functional neurons with specific subtypes and in establishing robust and standardized three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models with neural cells cultured in 3D matrices or organoids representing specific brain regions. Here, we review the applications of HTS technologies on in vitro neurogenesis, especially aiming at identifying the essential genes, chemical small molecules and adaptive microenvironments that hold great prospects for generating functional neurons or more reproductive and homogeneous 3D organoids. We also discuss the developmental tendency of HTS technology, e.g., so-called next-generation screening, which utilizes 3D organoid-based screening combined with microfluidic devices to narrow the gap between in vitro models and in vivo situations both physiologically and pathologically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Juan Zhao
- Aerospace Medical Center, Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jun-Jun Ni
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Quan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Hong Qing
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
The Sonic Hedgehog Pathway Modulates Survival, Proliferation, and Differentiation of Neural Progenitor Cells under Inflammatory Stress In Vitro. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040736. [PMID: 35203385 PMCID: PMC8869809 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sonic Hedgehog protein (Shh) has been extensively researched since its discovery in 1980. Its crucial role in early neurogenesis and endogenous stem cells of mature brains, as well as its recently described neuroprotective features, implicate further important effects on neuronal homeostasis. Here, we investigate its potential role in the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of neural precursors cells (NPCs) under inflammatory stress as a potential adjunct for NPC-transplantation strategies in spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment. To this end, we simulated an inflammatory environment in vitro using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and induced the Shh-pathway using recombinant Shh or blocked it using Cyclopamine, a potent Smo inhibitor. We found that Shh mediates the proliferation and neuronal differentiation potential of NPCs in vitro, even in an inflammatory stress environment mimicking the subacute phase after SCI. At the same time, our results indicate that a reduction of the Shh-pathway activation by blockage with Cyclopamine is associated with reduced NPC-survival, reduced neuronal differentiation and increased astroglial differentiation. Shh might thus, play a role in endogenous NPC-mediated neuroregeneration or even be a potent conjunct to NPC-based therapies in the inflammatory environment after SCI.
Collapse
|